Dealing with chemotherapy induced nausea

Katrina Claghorn, RD
Last Modified: July 8, 2002

Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts,"
My 20-year-old niece was diagnosed with a fibrolamellar hepatoma with extensive metastasis to nodes and organs. She is having "aggressive"chemotherapy and has several negative side effects including nausea, low platelets and white counts. Any information available would be helpful.
Thanks,DS

Dear DS,
Nausea is one of the most common problems associated with chemotherapy. General nutritional recommendations for controlling nausea include small frequentsnacks of cold bland foods. Toast, crackers, dry cereals, jello, water ices are some examples of foods to try. Cold foods are best tolerated since they have less of anodor than warm foods. Many people also report preferring colder beverages. Bland foods are also better tolerated. Examples of bland foods are puddings, chickensoup, mashed potatoes and vanilla ice cream. Some of our patients have reported that salty foods such as pretzels and saltine crackers have also helped.

Anti-nausea medications may help control symptoms. However always take them at least a 30 minutes before symptoms are anticipated. Many people reportfeeling more nauseated as the day progresses, so taking an antiemetic in the late afternoon may help. When white counts are low be sure to follow strict sanitation and food safety practices to reduce the incidence of infection.